How do you solve 4( a - 1) = 7a + 2?

2 Answers

a=-2

Explanation:

To get to those follow these steps:

  1. Expand the brackets, so 4(a-1) becomes 4a-4
  2. Rearrange so you have the variables on the same side -> -4 -2 = 7a-4a (change signs when moving across the equals sign)
  3. Simplify -> -6 = 3a
  4. Divide both sides by 3 so a is by itself -> -6/3=a
  5. -6/3 = -2, therefore, a must equal -2
Apr 21, 2018

a = -2

Explanation:

4(a-1) = 7a + 2

On the left hand side, multiply each term inside the brackets by 4

4a - 4 = 7a + 2

Subtract 2 from both sides

4a - 6 = 7a

Subtract 4a from both sides

-6 = 7a - 4a
-6 = 3a

Divide both sides by 3

-2 = a
a = -2